U.S. patent application number 16/360705 was filed with the patent office on 2019-07-18 for photovoltaic power generation device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Lt d.. The applicant listed for this patent is Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Naofumi Hayashi, Minoru Higuchi, Koichi Kubo.
Application Number | 20190222170 16/360705 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61762771 |
Filed Date | 2019-07-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190222170 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kubo; Koichi ; et
al. |
July 18, 2019 |
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER GENERATION DEVICE
Abstract
This photovoltaic power generation device is provided with: a
mounting bracket which is fixed to a roof and on which a frame,
arranged on the ridge-side end of a solar cell module, and a frame,
arranged on the eave-side end of a solar cell module, are mounted;
and a securing bracket for securing the frames to the mounting
bracket. The ridge-side edge of the mounting bracket is inclined in
the eaves-ridge direction and the girder direction of the roof.
Inventors: |
Kubo; Koichi; (Osaka-fu,
JP) ; Hayashi; Naofumi; (Osaka-fu, JP) ;
Higuchi; Minoru; (Osaka-fu, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. |
Osaka |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Panasonic Intellectual Property
Management Co., Lt d.
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
61762771 |
Appl. No.: |
16/360705 |
Filed: |
March 21, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/JP2017/032264 |
Sep 7, 2017 |
|
|
|
16360705 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B 2005/0678 20130101;
Y02B 10/12 20130101; F16B 5/0635 20130101; H02S 30/10 20141201;
Y02B 10/10 20130101; F16B 5/065 20130101; H02S 20/23 20141201 |
International
Class: |
H02S 30/10 20060101
H02S030/10; H02S 20/23 20060101 H02S020/23; F16B 5/06 20060101
F16B005/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 30, 2016 |
JP |
2016-194651 |
Claims
1. A photovoltaic power generation device comprising: a first solar
cell module including a first solar cell panel and a first frame
installed at end portions of the panel; a second solar cell module
including a second solar cell panel and a second frame installed at
end portions of the panel, the second solar cell module being
disposed next to a ridge-side of the first solar cell module with a
space therebetween; a mounting bracket to be fixed to a roof, the
mounting bracket allowing a part of the first frame that installed
at a ridge-side end portion of the first solar cell module, and a
part of the second frame that is installed at an eave-side end
portion of the second solar cell module, to be mounted thereon; and
a fixing bracket for fixing the first and second frames to the
mounting bracket, wherein a ridge-side edge portion of the mounting
bracket is inclined relative to an eave-ridge direction and a
girder direction of the roof.
2. The photovoltaic power generation device according to claim 1,
wherein an eave-side edge portion of the mounting bracket is
inclined relative to the eave-ridge direction and the girder
direction.
3. The photovoltaic power generation device according to claim 1,
wherein the ridge-side end portion of the mounting bracket is
inclined at an angle of approximately 3.degree. to approximately
10.degree. relative to the girder direction.
4. The photovoltaic power generation device according to claim 1,
wherein: the mounting bracket includes a plate-like fixing portion
to be disposed along a roof surface, the fixing portion including a
through hole formed therein, the through hole allowing a screw for
fixing the bracket to the roof to be passed therethrough; and the
through hole is formed at a position no less than 10 mm away from
an end of the fixing portion.
5. The photovoltaic power generation device according to claim 1,
wherein the mounting bracket includes a drainage channel formed
over an entire length in a direction along the eave-ridge direction
thereof by providing a space between the mounting bracket and the
roof.
6. The photovoltaic power generation device according to claim 1,
wherein binding band holes that allow binding bands for fixing
wires drawn out from the respective solar cell modules to be passed
therethrough are formed in the mounting bracket.
7. The photovoltaic power generation device according to claim 1,
comprising a base bracket that allows a bolt for fixing the fixing
bracket to be fastened thereto, wherein: the mounting bracket
includes a guide rail portion that supports the base bracket in
such a manner that the base bracket is slidable in the eave-ridge
direction; and the fixing bracket is fixed to the mounting bracket
via the base bracket inserted into the guide rail portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 120 of PCT/JP2017/032264, filed Sep. 7, 2017, which is
incorporated herein by reference and which claimed priority to
Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-194651 filed Sep. 30, 2016.
The present application likewise claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-194651 filed
Sep. 30, 2016, the entire content of which is also incorporated
herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a photovoltaic power
generation device.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A photovoltaic power generation device is built by attaching
a plurality of solar cell modules to a roof. For example, Japanese
Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-214877 discloses
a photovoltaic power generation device including an anchorage
including an eave-side engagement hook that engages with an
eave-side solar cell module, and a ridge-side engagement hook that
engages with a ridge-side solar cell module. Such an anchorage is
fixed to the roof using screws.
SUMMARY
[0004] In installing a photovoltaic power generation device on a
roof ensuring good drainage and waterproof capability of the roof
is an important issue. Building a conventional photovoltaic power
generation device is troublesome because, for example, the
peripheries of brackets attached to roofing materials need to be
sealed to prevent entry of rain water, etc., from the peripheries
of the brackets.
[0005] A photovoltaic power generation device according to an
aspect of the present disclosure includes: a first solar cell
module including a first solar cell panel and a first frame
installed at end portions of the panel; a second solar cell module
including a second solar cell panel and a second frame installed at
end portions of the panel, the second solar cell module being
disposed next to a ridge-side of the first solar cell module with a
space therebetween; a mounting bracket to be fixed to a roof, the
mounting bracket allowing a part of the first frame, the part being
installed at a ridge-side end portion of the first solar cell
module, and a part of the second frame, the part being installed at
an eave-side end portion of the second solar cell module, to be
mounted thereon; and a fixing bracket for fixing the first and
second frames to the mounting bracket, with a ridge-side edge
portion of the mounting bracket being inclined relative to an
eave-ridge direction and a girder direction of the roof.
[0006] According to the photovoltaic power generation device
according to an aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to
sufficiently ensure good drainage and waterproof capability of a
roof while building is easy.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0007] The figures depict one or more implementations in accordance
with the present teachings, by way of example only, not by way of
limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the
same or similar elements.
[0008] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a photovoltaic
power generation device according to an example embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a solar cell module according
to an example embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a mounting bracket according to an
example embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a sectional view along line AA in FIG. 3.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a base bracket according to
an example embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a lateral cross-sectional view illustrating a
state in which a base bracket is attached to a mounting
bracket.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fixing bracket according
to an example embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 8A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating
a structure of attachment of a photovoltaic power generation device
according to an example embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 8A.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a mounting bracket according to
another example embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a sectional view along line BB in FIG. 9.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a mounting bracket according to
another example embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a sectional view along line CC in FIG. 11.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fixing bracket according
to another example embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating
a structure for attachment of a photovoltaic power generation
device according to another example embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0023] In a photovoltaic power generation device according to an
aspect of the present disclosure, a ridge-side edge portion of a
mounting bracket fixed to a roof is inclined relative to an
eave-ridge direction and a girder direction of the roof and thus
rain water, etc., is not blocked by the mounting bracket but flows
to the eave side along the inclined ridge-side edge portion of the
bracket. Therefore, even if sealing of the periphery of the
mounting bracket is omitted or simplified, good drainage and
waterproof capability of the roof can sufficiently be ensured. In
other words, according to the photovoltaic power generation device
of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide both favorable
building efficiency and excellent drainage and waterproof
capability.
[0024] An example embodiment will be described in detail below with
reference to the drawings. The drawings referred to in the
embodiments are schematic drawings, and thus dimensions, etc., of
components drawn in the drawings should be determined in
consideration of the below description. In the present description,
taking "substantially the same" as an example, the term
"substantially" is intended to indicate not only "completely the
same" but also "being able to be considered as substantially the
same". The embodiments described below are mere examples and the
photovoltaic power generation device according to the present
disclosure is not limited to such embodiments.
[0025] In the following, a direction of a mounting bracket, etc.,
along an eave-ridge direction of a roof is the "longitudinal
direction", and a direction of a mounting bracket, etc., along a
girder direction (direction perpendicular to the eave-ridge
direction) of the roof is the "lateral (right-left) direction". A
direction of a mounting bracket, etc., along a direction
perpendicular to a roof surface on which the mounting bracket is
mounted (where the mounting bracket is mounted on roofing
materials, surfaces of the roofing materials) is the "top-bottom
direction". In the drawings, the eave-ridge direction of the roof
and the longitudinal direction are indicated by arrow a, the girder
direction and the lateral direction are indicated by arrow .beta.
and the top-bottom direction is indicated by arrow y. Unless
specifically stated otherwise, an upper end of, for example, a
mounting bracket means an upper end in the top-bottom
direction.
[0026] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a photovoltaic
power generation device 10 according to an example embodiment. As
illustrated FIG. 1, the photovoltaic power generation device 10
includes a solar cell module 11A (first solar cell module), a solar
cell module 11B (second solar cell module), mounting brackets 30
and fixing brackets 50. The solar cell module 11A includes a solar
cell panel 12A (first solar cell panel) and a frame 13A (first
frame) installed at end portions of the panel. The solar cell
module 11B includes a solar cell panel 12B (second solar cell
panel) and a frame 13B (second frame) installed at end portions of
the panel. The solar cell module 11B is disposed next to the
ridge-side of the solar cell module 11A with a space S (see FIG.
8A) between the solar cell module 11A and the solar cell module
11B.
[0027] The photovoltaic power generation device 10 is built by
attaching the plurality of solar cell modules 11 (11A, 11B) to a
roof 100. In the present description, for convenience of
description, of the two solar cell modules 11 disposed next to each
other in the eave-ridge direction, a module disposed on the eave
side is the solar cell module 11A and a module disposed on the
ridge-side is the solar cell module 11B. In the present embodiment,
the solar cell modules 11 all have the same shape.
[0028] Although described in detail later, the mounting brackets 30
are brackets that are fixed to the roof 100 and allow a part of the
frame 13A installed at a ridge-side end portion of the solar cell
module 11A and a part of the frame 13B installed at an eave-side
end portion of the solar cell module 11B to be mounted thereon. The
fixing brackets 50 are brackets for fixing the frames 13A, 13B to
the mounting brackets 30. Respective ridge-side edge portions of
the mounting brackets 30 are inclined relative to the eave-ridge
direction and the girder direction of the roof 100.
[0029] In the present embodiment, an earthing bracket 15 is
provided on each mounting bracket 30, and the frames 13A, 13B are
installed on the mounting brackets 30 via the earthing brackets 15.
Preferably, the photovoltaic power generation device 10 includes
base brackets 40 that each allow a bolt 16 to be fastened thereto
and the mounting brackets 30 each include a guide rail portion 34
that supports a base bracket 40 in such a manner that the base
bracket 40 is slidable in the eave-ridge direction. Then, the
fixing brackets 50 are fixed to the respective mounting brackets 30
via the respective base brackets 40 inserted into the guide rail
portions 34.
[0030] The photovoltaic power generation device 10 is attached to
the roof 100 formed by laying roofing materials 101. The roofing
materials 101 are, for example, slate tiles. The roofing materials
101 are disposed in the eave-ridge direction with ridge-side
roofing materials 101 overlapping respective parts of eave-side
roofing materials 101, and thus, steps are formed at the parts
where the roofing materials 101 overlap each other. Here, the roof
to which the photovoltaic power generation device 10 is attachable
is not limited to the roof 100.
[0031] The photovoltaic power generation device 10 is built by
fixing the solar cell modules 11 to the plurality of mounting
brackets 30 disposed on the roofing materials 101. The mounting
brackets 30 are, for example, mounted on the roofing materials 101
and spacers 105, and are fastened to a sheathing roof board 102
(see FIG. 8 referred to later) of the roof 100 via screws. The
spacers 105 are provided at the step parts formed between the
respective roofing materials 101 and fill the steps to enable
stable attachment of the mounting brackets 30. As a result of the
mounting brackets 30 being disposed directly on the roofing
materials 101 and the spacer 105, heights of the solar cell modules
11 from the roof surface (surfaces of the roofing materials 101)
can be reduced, enhancing the integrity of the roof 100 and the
photovoltaic power generation device 10.
[0032] As described above, each solar cell module 11 includes a
solar cell panel 12 and a frame 13. The solar cell panel 12 is, for
example, a substantially flat panel in which a plurality of solar
cells are held between two protection members. The frame 13 is, for
example, formed by means of extrusion molding of a metal material
containing aluminum as a main component and is disposed so as to
surround the four sides of the solar cell panel 12. A coating film
is generally formed on surfaces of the frame 13.
[0033] Each solar cell module 11 is fixed to the mounting brackets
30 via the base brackets 40, the fixing brackets 50 and the bolts
16, using the relevant frame 13. In the example illustrated in FIG.
1, a plurality of solar cell modules 11 are disposed in such a
manner that a short side direction of each solar cell module 11
having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view is
substantially parallel to the eave-ridge direction. Solar cell
modules 11 that are next to each other in the girder direction are
disposed substantially in contact with each other, and solar cell
modules 11 that are next to each other in the eave-ridge direction
(solar cell modules 11A, 11B) are disposed with a space S
therebetween.
[0034] Each solar cell module 11 is preferably fixed to mounting
brackets 30 at a total of four parts that are two parts of an
eave-side end portion and two parts of a ridge-side end portion
thereof. The mounting brackets 30 are disposed on the rear side of
one solar cell module 11 at, for example, respective positions
corresponding to the right and the left of an eave-side end portion
of the module and respective positions corresponding to the right
and the left of a ridge-side end portion of the module. The frames
13A, 13B of the two solar cell modules are mounted on mounting
brackets 30 disposed at a boundary portion between the solar cell
modules 11A, 11B.
[0035] An eave-side end portion and a ridge-side end portion of the
photovoltaic power generation device 10 may be fixed to the roof
100 using mounting brackets 30, base brackets 40 and fixing
brackets 50 or may be fixed to the roof 100 using dedicated
brackets.
[0036] In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, a plurality of
mounting brackets 30 are aligned in the eave-ridge direction and
the girder direction. The mounting brackets 30 aligned in the
eave-ridge direction are arranged at a certain interval in the
eave-ridge direction according to a length along the eave-ridge
direction of each solar cell module 11. Each mounting bracket 30 is
fixed to the roof 100 in such a manner that the guide rail portion
34 extends along the eave-ridge direction. The frames 13A, 13B are
mounted on the mounting brackets 30 so as to be substantially
orthogonal to the guide rail portions 34.
[0037] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an end portion of a solar cell
module 11. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a frame 13 installed at an end
portion of each solar cell panel 12 includes a body portion 20
having a hollow prism shape, an inner groove 22 that opens toward
the inside of the relevant module, and an outer groove 24 that
opens toward the outside of the module. Also, the frame 13 includes
an inner flange portion 25 that juts toward the inside of the
module. The body portion 20, the outer groove 24 and the inner
flange portion 25 are positioned on the rear side of the solar cell
panel 12, and specifically, the outer groove 24 and the inner
flange portion 25 are used for fixing of the solar cell module 11
to mounting brackets 30.
[0038] The frame 13 includes a hook portion 21 provided upright on
an upper surface of the body portion 20, and an inner groove 22,
which is a space that allows the solar cell panel 12 to be inserted
thereto, is formed between the upper surface of the body portion 20
and the hook portion 21. The hook portion 21 extends straight
upward from the outer side of the body portion 20 and is flexed
inward partway, forming a substantially L-shape in cross section.
In other words, the hook portion 21 covers a side surface along the
top-bottom direction of the solar cell panel 12 and juts onto a
light receiving surface of the solar cell panel 12. A length of a
part of the hook portion 21, the part jutting onto the light
receiving surface, is, for example, substantially equal to a width
of the body portion 20. In the frame 13, a bottom plate 23
extending to the side (outer side) opposite to the inner flange
portion 25 is provided and an outer groove 24 is formed between a
lower surface of the body portion 20 and the bottom plate 23. The
bottom plate 23 forms a bottom surface of the frame 13 jointly with
the inner flange portion 25.
[0039] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a mounting bracket 30 and FIG. 4 is
a sectional view along line AA in FIG. 3. As illustrated in FIGS. 3
and 4, each mounting bracket 30 includes a base portion 31 that
allows a base bracket 40 to be mounted thereon and flange portions
32 that jut to the right and the left, respectively, from a lower
portion of the base portion 31. Each mounting bracket 30 includes
plate-like fixing portions to be disposed along the roof surface,
in which through holes allowing screws for fixing the relevant
bracket to the roof 100 to be passed therethrough are formed. The
through holes are preferably formed at respective positions no less
than 10 mm away from relevant ends of the fixing portions. In the
present embodiment, flange portions 32 are provided as the fixing
portions.
[0040] Each mounting bracket 30 has a shape that is longitudinally
long along the eave-ridge direction. A ridge-side edge portion 30b
of each mounting bracket 30 is inclined relative to the eave-ridge
direction and the girder direction of the roof 100. Since the guide
rail portion 34 preferably extends straight along the eave-ridge
direction, the ridge-side edge portion 30b is preferably inclined
by forming a cut surface of the ridge-side edge portion 30b
obliquely relative to the longitudinal direction and the lateral
direction. In this case, drainage for rain water, etc., can be
enhanced without impairing building efficiency. In other words,
rain water, etc., is blocked by the mounting bracket 30 and flows
to the eave side along the ridge-side edge portion 30b. Thus, rain
water, etc., does not accumulate around the mounting bracket 30 and
is less likely to enter from the periphery of the bracket.
[0041] An eave-side edge portion 30a of the mounting bracket 30 is
preferably inclined at an angle that is substantially the same as
that of the ridge-side edge portion 30b relative to the eave-ridge
direction and the girder direction of the roof 100. In other words,
the eave-side edge portion 30a is preferably formed substantially
parallel to the ridge-side edge portion 30b. The inclination of the
eave-side edge portion 30a has no influence on the drainage.
However, generally, mounting brackets 30 are manufactured by
cutting an elongated member, and thus cutting respective end
portions at the same angle in the same direction makes it possible
to eliminate waste of materials. Here, a mark such as a V-groove or
a punch mark used for marking of the eave-ridge direction may be
formed in the mounting bracket 30. The mark is formed at, for
example, a center of a part, in the vicinity of the eave-side edge
portion 30a, of an upper surface of an upper wall portion 31a.
[0042] The ridge-side edge portion 30b of the mounting bracket 30
is preferably inclined at an angle .theta. of approximately
3.degree. to 15.degree. relative to the girder direction of the
roof 100. If the angle .theta. falls within such a range, both
favorable building efficiency and drainage can easily be achieved.
The eave-side edge portion 30a is also preferably inclined at an
angle .theta. of approximately 3.degree. to 15.degree. relative to
the girder direction. The mounting bracket 30 has, for example, a
substantial parallelogram shape in plan view in which the eave-side
edge portion 30a and the ridge-side edge portion 30b are
substantially parallel to each other and outer ends 32a of the
respective flange portions 32 are substantially parallel to each
other.
[0043] The base portion 31 includes the upper wall portion 31a that
allows the base bracket 40 to be mounted thereon and side wall
portions 31b extending downward from opposite end portions in the
lateral direction of the upper wall portion 31a, the side wall
portions 31b connecting the upper wall portion 31a and the flange
portions 32. In the base portion 31, for example, the respective
side wall portions 31b are formed substantially perpendicularly to
the upper wall portion 31a. At a center portion in the lateral
direction of the upper wall portion 31a, a recess portion 31c that
sags downward is formed over an entire longitudinal length thereof.
The provision of the recess portion 31c makes it possible to
prevent a shaft portion of a bolt 16 fixed to the base bracket 40
from interfering with the upper wall portion 31a.
[0044] Hook portions 33 are formed on the base portion 31. In the
mounting bracket 30, a pair of hook portions 33 are provided
upright at respective opposite end portions in the lateral
direction of the position upper wall portion 31a. The hook portions
33 extend straight upward from the opposite end portions in the
lateral direction of the upper wall portion 31a and are flexed
inward partway, forming a substantially L-shape in cross section.
The upper wall portion 31a and the hook portions 33 form a guide
rail portion 34 that supports the base bracket 40 in such a manner
that the base bracket 40 is slidable in the longitudinal
direction.
[0045] Parts, other than the recess portion 31c, of the upper wall
portion 31a of the base portion 31 are formed at positions that are
higher than the flange portions 32 that are in contact with the
roof surface. Therefore, below the upper wall portion 3a, a space
is provided between the upper wall portion 31a and the roof
surface. The mounting bracket 30 preferably includes drainage
channels 37 formed over an entire longitudinal length thereof along
the eave-ridge direction by providing spaces between the mounting
bracket 30 and the roof surface. In the mounting bracket 30,
drainage channels 37 are formed on the right and the left of the
recess portion 31c. The provision of the drainage channels 37
further enhances the drainage of the roof 100 at a site at which
the photovoltaic power generation device 10 is installed.
[0046] The flange portions 32, which jut outward from the lower
portion of the base portion 31, are formed over the entire
longitudinal length of the mounting bracket 30. The flange portions
32 preferably also extend to the inside of the base portion 31,
that is, below the upper wall portion 31a. A lateral length of the
parts extending to the inside of the base portion 31 may be shorter
than a lateral length of the hook portions 33. The side wall
portions 31b of the base portion 31 are formed, for example,
substantially perpendicular to the flange portions 32. In each
flange portion 32, a plurality of through holes 35 that each allow
a screw 107 (see FIG. 8A referred to later) to be passed
therethrough are formed so as to be aligned in the eave-ridge
direction.
[0047] As described above, the through holes 35 are preferably
formed at the respective positions no less than 10 mm away from the
relevant ends of the flange portions 32. As a result of the through
holes 35 being formed away from the ends of the flange portions 32,
rain water, etc., is less likely to enter the parts to which the
screws 107 are attached. The through holes 35 are formed, for
example, at positions no less than 10 mm away from outer ends 32a,
these ends being on the outer sides along the longitudinal
direction of the flange portions 32, and opposite end portions in
the longitudinal direction of the flange portions 32 (the eave-side
edge portion 30a and the ridge-side edge portion 30b). Also, the
through holes 35 are preferably formed at respective positions that
are also no less than 10 mm away from inner ends 32b, which are
inner ends along the longitudinal direction of the flange portions
32 and are in contact with the respective drainage channels 37. The
through holes 35 are formed, for example, at respective positions
substantially the same distance away from the relevant outer ends
32a and the relevant inner ends 32b.
[0048] In each mounting bracket 30, binding band holes 36 that
allow binding bands (not illustrated) for fixing wires drawn out
from the respective solar cell modules 11 to be passed therethrough
may be formed. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, a total of
four binding band holes 36, two binding band holes 36 in each of
opposite end portions in the longitudinal direction of the upper
wall portion 31a, are formed. For example, each of wires extending
in the girder direction of the roof 100 is fixed to an eave-side
end portion or a ridge-side end portion of a mounting bracket 30,
using binding bands passed through relevant binding band holes
36.
[0049] In each mounting bracket 30, alignment marks 38 used at the
time of building may be provided. In the example illustrated in
FIG. 3, linear alignment marks 38 extending laterally from the
respective outer ends 32a are formed in upper surfaces of the
respective flange portions 32. The respective alignment marks 38
formed in the right and left flange portions 32 are formed on the
same straight line so as to be aligned laterally. Each mounting
bracket 30 is disposed on the roof 100, for example, in such a
manner that the alignment marks 38 are each aligned with an
eave-side edge portion of a roofing material 101.
[0050] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a base bracket 40 and FIG. 6
is a lateral cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a
base bracket 40 is attached to a mounting bracket 30. As
illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, each base bracket 40 includes a base
portion 41 that allows a bolt 16 for fixing a fixing bracket 50 to
be fastened thereto, and allows extension portions 42 to be
inserted into the guide rail portion 34 of the mounting bracket 30.
The base portion 41 is formed so as to have a width that enables
the base portion 41 to be disposed between respective hook portions
33 of a mounting bracket 30, and to be long longitudinally along
the eave-ridge direction.
[0051] The extension portions 42 jut from the right and the left of
the base portion 41. Upon insertion of the extension portions 42 in
the guide rail portion 34, the base bracket 40 engages with the
mounting bracket 30, preventing the base bracket 40 from coming off
upward. The extension portions 42 are slightly flexed upward at
respective roots thereof and an upper surface of each extension
portion 42 is thus positioned slightly higher than an upper surface
of the base portion 41. The upper surfaces of the extension
portions 42 are substantially flat and, for example, upon a bolt 16
being fastened to the base portion 41, come into contact with lower
surfaces of hook portions 33 included in the guide rail portion 34,
whereby the base bracket 40 is firmly fixed to the mounting bracket
30. However, until the bolt 16 is fastened, the base bracket 40 is
slidable along the guide rail portion 34.
[0052] Each base bracket 40 may include an engagement portion 43
and a ridge-side standing wall portion 44. As described above, the
frames 13A, 13B include inner flange portions 25A, 25B that jut to
the insides of the solar cell modules 11A, 11B on the rear sides of
the solar cell modules 11A. 11B, respectively. As illustrated in
FIG. 8 referred to later, the engagement portion 43 projects upward
relative to an upper end of the mounting bracket 30 and engages
with the inner flange portion 25A (first inner flange portion) of
the frame 13A. The ridge-side standing wall portion 44 projects
upward relative to the upper end of the mounting bracket 30 and is
disposed so as to face a distal end of the inner flange portion 25B
(second inner flange portion) of the frame 13B.
[0053] The engagement portion 43 is formed in a substantially
L-shape in cross section, with a space that enables insertion of
the inner flange portion 25A thereto between the engagement portion
43 and the base portion 41 at an eave-side end portion (one
longitudinal end portion) of the base portion 41. The ridge-side
standing wall portion 44 is formed at a position at which the
ridge-side standing wall portion 44 faces the distal end of the
inner flange portion 25B, with a height that does not hinder
installment of the frame 13B. Since the ridge-side standing wall
portion 44 is formed by, for example, flexing a part of a metal
plate forming the base portion 41 between a ridge-side end portion
(another longitudinal end portion) of the base portion 41 and a
longitudinal center portion of the base portion 41, in order to
enable such flexing, an opening portion 48 is formed on the eave
side of the ridge-side standing wall portion 44.
[0054] A bolt fastening portion 46 that allows a bolt 16 to be
threadably connected thereto, and a temporary fixing bolt fastening
portion 47 that allows a temporary fixing bolt 17 (see FIG. 8A
referred to later) to be threadably connected thereto, are
preferably formed in each base bracket 40. The bolt fastening
portion 46 is formed in a part between the engagement portion 43
and the ridge-side standing wall portion 44 of the base portion 41,
the part overlapping the recess portion 31c of a mounting bracket
30 in the top-bottom direction. The temporary fixing bolt fastening
portion 47 is formed in a part on the ridge-side relative to the
ridge-side standing wall portion 44 of the base portion 41. Each of
the bolt fastening portions is formed by, for example, subjecting
the metal plate forming the base portion 41 to burring and
threading.
[0055] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fixing bracket 50. As
illustrated in FIG. 7, each fixing bracket 50 includes a base
portion 51 including a through hole 55 formed therein, the through
hole 55 allowing a bolt 16 to be passed therethrough, a first
engagement portion 52 extending to the eave side from the base
portion 51, and a second engagement portion 53 extending to the
ridge-side from the base portion 51. The first engagement portion
52 is a part to be inserted into the outer groove 24A of the frame
13A and the second engagement portion 53 is a part to be inserted
into the outer groove 24B of the frame 13B. Each fixing bracket 50
is a bracket in which the first engagement portion 52 and the
second engagement portion 53 are joined by the base portion 51, and
the engagement portions are thereby integrated.
[0056] Each fixing bracket 50 is a bracket having a substantial
parallelogram shape in plan view, which is elongated in a direction
in which the base portion 51 and the engagement portions are
aligned. The shape of each fixing bracket 50 in plan view is not
specifically limited but is preferably a parallelogram shape other
than a rectangular shape. An eave-side edge portion 50a and a
ridge-side edge portion 50b, that is, an eave-side edge portion of
the first engagement portion 52 and a ridge-side edge portion of
the second engagement portion 53, of each fixing bracket 50 are
substantially parallel to each other and form short sides of the
parallelogram. Two corner portions that are obtuse angles of the
parallelogram are formed so as to each have, for example, an angle
of 120.degree.. Two corners that are acute angles of the
parallelogram may be chamfered. Here, the shape of each fixing
bracket 50 in plan view may be another parallel polygon shape such
as a parallel hexagon shape.
[0057] If each fixing bracket 50 has a substantial parallelogram
shape in plan view, a length (length of the long side) of each
fixing bracket 50 is, for example, equal to or larger than a width
of the space S but equal to or smaller than a length from an
innermost portion of the outer groove 24A of the frame 13A to an
innermost portion of the outer groove 24B of the frame 13B. The
eave-side edge portion 50a and the ridge-side edge portion 50b,
which form the respective short sides of the parallelogram, of each
fixing bracket 50 may each have a length that allows the eave-side
edge portion 50a and the ridge-side edge portion 50b to abut on the
innermost portions of the outer grooves 24A, 24B, respectively.
Also, a width (length of the short sides) of each fixing bracket 50
is preferably less than the width of the space S so that the
respective engagement portions completely come off from the outer
grooves 24A, 24B when the fixing bracket 50 is rotated so that the
long sides extend laterally. A thickness of each fixing bracket 50
only needs to be a thickness that allows insertion of the outer
grooves 24A, 24B.
[0058] Each fixing bracket 50 is slightly flexed upward at a
boundary portion between the base portion 51 and the first
engagement portion 52 and a lower surface of the first engagement
portion 52 is thus located slightly above a lower surface of the
base portion 51. As illustrated in FIG. 8 referred to later,
because of an inclination of the roof surface, a distal end of a
bottom plate 23A of the frame 13A floats slightly from the mounting
brackets 30. Therefore, forming a step at the boundary portion
between the base portion 51 and the first engagement portion 52
facilitates attachment of the fixing bracket 50 to the frames 13A,
13B.
[0059] Each fixing bracket 50 may be slightly curved or flexed in
such a manner that the first engagement portion 52 and the second
engagement portion 53 are lowered toward respective distal ends
(the eave-side edge portion 50a and the ridge-side edge portion
50b). In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, there is no step at a
boundary portion between the base portion 51 and the second
engagement portion 53, but a step may be provided at the boundary
portion.
[0060] The base portion 51 is a part to which a bolt 16 is
attached, and includes a substantially perfect circle-shaped
through hole 55. The through hole 55 is formed, for example, with a
point of intersection between the diagonals of the fixing bracket
50 having a substantial parallelogram shape in plan view as a
center. Two tool insertion holes 56 may be formed in the base
portion 51. The tool insertion holes 56 are holes that are each
smaller than the through hole 55 and are formed with the through
hole 55 therebetween. The through hole 55 and the respective tool
insertion holes 56 are located, for example, on substantially the
same straight line. The fixing bracket 50 can be turned within the
space S, and for example, at the time of a turning operation, the
fixing bracket 50 can be turned around the bolt 16 by inserting a
tool having a forked structure (not illustrated) into the tool
insertion holes 56.
[0061] The first engagement portion 52 extends to the eave side
from an eave-side end portion of the base portion 51 and the second
engagement portion 53 extends to the ridge-side from a ridge-side
end portion of the base portion 51. Each of the engagement portions
preferably include projections 54 projecting downward. The
projections 54 are formed at opposite end portions in the lateral
direction of each engagement portion. Each projection 54 is formed
by, for example, pressing a metal plate forming the relevant
engagement portion from the upper surface side.
[0062] FIGS. 8A and 8B are longitudinal cross-sectional views
illustrating a structure for attachment of the photovoltaic power
generation device 10, and illustrates a structure in which the
ridge-side end portion of the solar cell module 11A and the
eave-side end portion of the solar cell module 11B are fixed to the
roof 100 using a mounting bracket 30, a base bracket 40, and a
fixing bracket 50.
[0063] As illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the frame 13A installed
at the ridge-side end portion of the solar cell module 11A and the
frame 13B installed at the eave-side end portion of the solar cell
module 11B are mounted on a mounting bracket 30 with which a base
bracket 40 engages, via an earthing bracket 15. Then, a fixing
bracket 50 with the first engagement portion 52 inserted into the
outer groove 24A of the frame 13A and the second engagement portion
53 inserted into the outer groove 24B of the frame 13B is fastened
to the base bracket 40 via a bolt 16. For the bolt 16, for example,
a bolt including a hex key hole in a head portion thereof, the key
hole enabling a hex key to be inserted thereto, is used.
[0064] The mounting bracket 30 is fixed to the sheathing roof board
102 of the roof 100 by screws 107 attached to the flange portions
32, which are plate-like fixing portions. In the example
illustrated in FIG. 8, the mounting bracket 30 is disposed in such
a manner that the alignment marks 38 are aligned with an eave-side
edge portion of a roofing material 101, and a ridge-side part of
the mounting bracket 30 is fixed to the roofing material 101 and an
eave-side part of the mounting bracket 30 is fixed to a spacer 105.
Some of the screws 107 are passed through the through holes 35 of
the flange portion 32 and through holes 106 of the spacer 105 and
fixed to the sheathing roof board 102 through roofing materials
101. For each of the screws 107, for example, a packing-provided
wood screw is used. A rubber sheet 103 (for example, a butyl rubber
sheet) is provided between the mounting bracket 30, and the roofing
material 101 and the spacer 105.
[0065] The solar cell modules 11A, 11B are fixed to the mounting
bracket 30 in such a manner that the solar cell panels 12A, 12B are
substantially parallel to the sheathing roof board 102 of the roof
100. Since the roof surface, constituted by surfaces of the roofing
materials 101, is not parallel to the sheathing roof board 102, an
upper end (upper surfaces of the hook portions 33) of the mounting
bracket 30 on which the frames 13A, 13B are mounted is also not
parallel to the sheathing roof board 102. Therefore, the distal end
of the bottom plate 23A of the frame 13A floats slightly from the
mounting brackets 30, and regarding heights of the outer grooves
24A. 24B from the upper ends of the mounting brackets 30, the outer
groove 24A is slightly higher. Therefore, the aforementioned step
is formed between at the boundary portion between the base portion
51 and the first engagement portion 52 of the fixing bracket 50.
Also, regarding heights of the hook portions 21A, 21B, the hook
portion 21A is slightly higher.
[0066] The base bracket 40 is inserted into the guide rail portion
34 (see FIG. 4, etc.) of the mounting bracket 30. As described
above, the guide rail portion 34 is formed over the entire
longitudinal length along the eave-ridge direction of the mounting
bracket 30. Therefore, until the frames 13A, 13B are mounted on the
mounting bracket 30 and fastened via the bolt 16, the base bracket
40 can be slid in the eave-ridge direction within a range in which
the base bracket 40 does not stick out from the mounting bracket
30. Although the frames 13A, 13B are mounted on a part of the
mounting bracket 30 to which the base bracket 40 is attached, as
described above, the base bracket 40 is slidable and thus there is
a high degree of flexibility in disposition of the frames 13A, 13B,
providing excellent building efficiency.
[0067] The base bracket 40 can be temporarily fixed using a
temporary fixing bolt 17 so as to prevent the base bracket 40 from
moving in the eave-ridge direction when the frames 13A, 13B are
disposed. The temporary fixing bolt 17 is threadably connected to
the temporary fixing bolt fastening portion 47 formed in the base
portion 41 of the base bracket 40 and a distal end of a shaft
portion of the temporary fixing bolt 17 is pressed against the
upper wall portion 31a of the mounting bracket 30 to temporarily
fix the base bracket 40 at an intended position in the mounting
bracket 30. The position of the base bracket 40 can easily be
adjusted by loosening the temporary fixing bolt 17.
[0068] The frame 13A is mounted on the hook portions 33 of the
mounting bracket 30 via the earthing bracket 15, and is disposed on
the eave side relative to a position corresponding the bolt
fastening portion 46 of the relevant base bracket 40. The earthing
bracket 15 includes projections projecting upward and a through
hole that allows a bolt 16 and a later-described spacer 18 to be
passed therethrough. The projection of the earthing bracket 15
sticks out through a coating film formed in a surface of the frame
13A and digs into a bottom surface of the frame 13k enabling
earthing. The projection of the earthing bracket 15 also digs into
a bottom surface of the frame 13B in a manner that is similar to
the above.
[0069] The engagement portion 43 of the base bracket 40 is provided
upright on the eave side of the frame 13A, and the engagement
portion 43 juts out and engages with the inner flange portion 25A
of the frame 13A. In other words, the inner flange portion 25A is
inserted between the base portion 41 and the engagement portion 43
of the base bracket 40. The inner flange portion 25A is held from
above by the engagement portions 43, for example, when negative
pressure acts on the solar cell module 11A.
[0070] The frame 13B is mounted on the hook portions 33 of the
mounting bracket 30 via the earthing bracket 15 and disposed on the
ridge-side relative to a position corresponding to the bolt
fastening portion 46 of the base bracket 40. In other words, the
frame 13B is disposed with a space S between the frame 13B and the
frame 13A, the space S allowing the bolt 16 to be passed
therethrough. On the ridge-side of the base bracket 40, the
ridge-side standing wall portion 44 is provided at a position at
which the ridge-side standing wall portion 44 faces the distal end
of the inner flange portion 25B, and movement of the solar cell
module 11B to the ridge-side is thus prevented.
[0071] The fixing bracket 50 is attached straddling the frames 13A,
13B by inserting the first engagement portions 52 and the second
engagement portion 53 into the outer groove 24A of the frame 13A
and the outer groove 24B of the frame 13B, respectively. The bolt
16 for fixing the fixing bracket 50 is passed through the through
hole 55 of the base portion 51 and threadably connected to the bolt
fastening portion 46 of the base bracket 40. The bolt 16 fastened
to the base bracket 40 presses the base portion 51 from above,
whereby the projections 54 (see FIG. 7) of the respective
engagement portions inserted in the outer grooves 24A, 24B firmly
abut on upper surfaces of the bottom plates 23A, 23B.
[0072] The fixing bracket 50 is configured so as to be turnable in
a lower part of the space S. After the fixing bracket 50 is bolted
to the base bracket 40, for example, to a degree that the fixing
bracket 50 is turnable, the fixing bracket 50 turns around a center
axis of the bolt 16. More specifically, the first engagement
portion 52 can be inserted into the outer groove 24A by turning the
fixing bracket 50 using the aforementioned forked structure tool in
a state in which the solar cell module 11A is disposed on the eave
side of the bolt 16. Then, the solar cell module 11B is disposed on
the ridge-side of the bolt 16 and the second engagement portion 53
is inserted into the outer groove 24B, whereby the fixing bracket
50 is attached straddling the frames 13A, 13B. The bolt 16 is
fastened to the base bracket 40, for example, after the second
engagement portion 53 is inserted into the outer groove 24B.
[0073] Here, the frames 13A, 13B can be detached from the fixing
bracket 50 by turning the fixing bracket 50 with the respective
engagement portions inserted into the outer grooves 24A, 24B around
the center axis of the bolt 16 and thereby removing the respective
engagement portions from the outer grooves 24A, 24B. More
specifically, the respective engagement portions can be removed
from the outer grooves 24A. 24B by loosening the bolt 16 and
turning the fixing bracket 50 in such a manner that the width
direction of the fixing bracket 50 extends along the lateral
direction. In other words, in the structure of attachment of the
photovoltaic power generation device 10, the respective engagement
portions can be inserted/removed into/from the outer grooves 24A,
24B of the frames 13A, 13B by turning the fixing bracket 50 around
the bolt 16.
[0074] Where the fixing bracket 50 has a substantially parallel
polygon shape in plan view, preferably a substantial parallelogram
shape, an end surface of the eave-side edge portion (eave-side edge
portion 50a) of the first engagement portion 52 inserted into the
outer groove 24A may substantially abut along the innermost portion
of the outer groove 24A. Also, an end surface of the eave-side edge
portion (eave-side edge portion 50a) of the second engagement
portion 53 inserted into the outer groove 24B may substantially
abut along the innermost portion of the outer groove 24B. As a
result of being inserted into the backs of the outer grooves 24A,
24B, the engagement portions can hold the frames 13A, 13B. Where
the shape of the fixing bracket 50 is a substantial parallelogram
shape other than a rectangular shape, even if the end surfaces of
the respective engagement portions are attached so as to abut along
the innermost portions of the outer grooves 24A, 24B, the fixing
bracket 50 can be turned in such a manner that the width direction
(long sides) thereof extends along the lateral direction.
[0075] In other words, the fixing bracket 50 is preferably a
bracket that turns within the space S, the bracket having a
substantially parallel polygon shape in plan view, in which a first
end surface of the first engagement portion 52 substantially abuts
along the innermost portion of the outer groove 24A and a second
end surface of the second engagement portion 53 substantially abuts
along the innermost portion of the outer groove 24B. In the present
embodiment, the first end surface of the first engagement portion
52 is the end surface of the eave-side edge portion 50a forming one
of the short sides of the parallelogram. The second end surface of
the second engagement portion 53 is the end surface of the
ridge-side edge portion 50b forming the other of the short sides of
the parallelogram, the end surface being substantially parallel to
the first end surface.
[0076] A spacer 18 that supports the base portion 51 of the fixing
bracket 50 may be provided between the fixing bracket 50 and the
base bracket 40. The spacer 18 is, for example, a tubular body that
allows the bolt 16 to be passed therethrough and is disposed on the
base bracket 40 in such a manner that a hole of the tube, and the
through hole 55 and the bolt fastening portion 46, are aligned with
each other. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, respective distal
end portions of the bottom plates 23A, 23B of the frames 13A, 13B
abut on an upper end portion of the spacer 18, the upper end
portion projecting upward from the upper end of the mounting
bracket 30 and being inserted into the space S.
[0077] In the structure for attachment of the photovoltaic power
generation device 10, as a result of the bolt 16 being threadably
connected to the bolt fastening portion 46 of the base bracket 40,
the fixing bracket 50 firmly abuts on the bottom plates 23A, 23B of
the frames 13A, 13B and the base bracket 40 is firmly fixed to the
mounting bracket 30. Upon the bolt 16 being threadably connected to
the bolt fastening portion 46, the base bracket 40 is hoisted
upward and the extension portions 42 inserted into the guide rail
portion 34 firmly abut on the hook portions 33.
[0078] The photovoltaic power generation device 10 may include a
cover 80 disposed above the space S so as to straddle the frame 13A
and the frame 13B, and a support bracket 85 that is inserted in the
outer groove 24A of the frame 13A and thereby fixed to the frame
13A and allows the cover 80 to be screw-fastened thereto. The cover
80, for example, has a length that is substantially the same as
that of the long sides of the solar cell modules 11 and provides a
cover over the space S. The cover 80 includes a base portion 81
that is attached so as to extend from the frame 13A to the frame
13B and covers the space S, and two leg portions 82 that extend
downward from the base portion 81 and are inserted into the space
S. The respective leg portions 82 are formed so as to be, for
example, parallel to each other.
[0079] In the cover 80, an eave-side part of the base portion 81 is
disposed on the hook portion 21A of the frame 13A, and the
ridge-side part of the base portion 81 is disposed on the hook
portion 21B of the frame 13B. The eave-side leg portion 82 abuts on
a side surface along the top-bottom direction of the frame 13A and
the ridge-side leg portion 82 abuts on a side surface along the
top-bottom direction of the frame 13B. As described above,
regarding the heights of the hook portions 21A, 21B from the upper
end of the mounting bracket 30, the hook portion 21A is relatively
higher, and thus, for example, the base portion 81 is inclined in
such a manner that the eave-side part is located somewhat above the
ridge-side part. Also, upper surfaces of distal end portions of the
hook portions 21A, 21B are inclined down toward respective distal
ends, and thus, a distal end portion of the base portion 81 is
slightly flexed downward so as to conform to the shapes of the hook
portions.
[0080] The support bracket 85 is disposed inside the space S
between the frames 13A. 13B and an upper portion of the support
bracket 85 abuts on a rear surface of the base portion 81. The
cover 80 is fixed to the upper portion of the support bracket 85
using a screw 86 that penetrates a center portion in a width
direction of the base portion 81.
[0081] The support bracket 85 preferably includes a lug portion 88
to be inserted into the outer groove 24A of the frame 13A. The lug
portion 88 is formed, for example, by flexing a lower portion of
the support bracket 85 to the side opposite to the upper portion
(eave side). The support bracket 85 extends downward along the body
portion 20A of the frame 13A and is fixed to the frame 13A by being
fixed to the body portion 20A using a screw 87 and the lug portion
88 being inserted into the outer groove 24A. For the screws 86, 87,
for example, self-tapping screws are used.
[0082] According to the photovoltaic power generation device 10
having the above-described configuration, it is possible to
sufficiently ensure drainage and protection capability of the roof
while building is easy. Also, it is possible to firmly fix the
respective solar cell modules 11 to the roof 100 and provide
excellent maintainability.
[0083] Next, a mounting bracket 90, which is another example
embodiment, will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 9
and 10. The mounting bracket 90 can be used in place of the
mounting bracket 30 in the photovoltaic power generation device
10.
[0084] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a mounting bracket 90 and FIG. 10
is a sectional view along line BB in FIG. 9. As illustrated in
FIGS. 9 and 10, a mounting bracket 90 includes a base portion 91
that allows a base bracket 40 to be mounted thereon. On the other
hand, the mounting bracket 90 is different from the mounting
bracket 30 in that the mounting bracket 90 has no flange portions
jutting to the right and the left of the base portion 91. The
mounting bracket 90 is a plate-like fixing portion disposed along a
roof surface and includes fixing portions each including through
holes that each allow a screw for fixing the bracket to a roof 100
to be passed therethrough. In the mounting bracket 90, lower wall
portions 91c of the base portion 91 correspond to the fixing
portions.
[0085] Like the mounting bracket 30, the mounting bracket 90 has a
shape that is long in the longitudinal direction along the
eave-ridge direction, and a ridge-side edge portion 90b is inclined
relative to the eave-ridge direction and the girder direction of
the roof 100. The ridge-side edge portion 90b is preferably
inclined at an angle .theta. of approximately 3.degree. to
10.degree. relative to the girder direction of the roof 100. The
ridge-side edge portion 90b is preferably inclined by forming a cut
surface of the mounting bracket 90 so as to be inclined relative to
the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction. In this case,
drainage for rain water, etc., can be enhanced without building
efficiency being impaired.
[0086] An eave-side edge portion 90a of the mounting bracket 90 is
inclined at an angle that is substantially the same as that of the
ridge-side edge portion 90b relative to the eave-ridge direction
and the girder direction. The eave-side edge portion 90a is formed
at an angle that is the same as that of the ridge-side edge portion
90b in a direction that is the same as that of the ridge-side edge
portion 90b. Since the mounting bracket 90 is manufactured, for
example, by cutting a long member, cutting the respective end
portions at the same angle in the same direction enables
elimination of waste of materials. The mounting bracket 90 has a
substantial parallelogram shape in plan view, in which the
eave-side edge portion 90a and the ridge-side edge portion 90b are
substantially parallel to each other and outer ends 92a of the
lower wall portions 91c are also substantially parallel to each
other.
[0087] The base portion 91 includes upper wall portions 91a that
allow a base bracket 40 to be mounted thereon. The upper wall
portions 91a are provided so as to be separated at opposite end
portions in the lateral direction of the base portion 91, and a
hook portion 93 is formed on each upper wall portion 91a. The hook
portion 93 extends straight upward from an outer end portion of the
upper wall portion 91a and is flexed inward partway, forming a
substantially L-shape in cross section. The upper wall portions 91a
and the hook portions 93 form a guide rail portion 94 that supports
a base bracket 40 in such a manner that the base bracket 40 is
slidable in the longitudinal direction.
[0088] The base portion 91 includes side wall portions 91b
extending downward from inner end portions of the respective upper
wall portions 91a and lower wall portions 91c extending inward from
lower end portions of the respective side wall portions 91b. The
respective side wall portions 91b are formed substantially
perpendicular to the respective upper wall portions 91a and the
respective lower wall portions 91c. The lower wall portions 91c are
formed substantially parallel to the upper wall portions 91a and
can be disposed along the roof surface. The lower wall portions 91c
may extend outward from the lower end portions of the side wall
portion 91b within a range in which the lower wall portions 91c do
not stick out from the outer end portions of the respective upper
wall portions 91a.
[0089] At a center portion in the lateral direction of the base
portion 91, two standing wall portions 98 are formed over an entire
longitudinal length thereof. The respective standing wall portions
98 extend upward from inner end portions of the right and left
lower wall portions 91c and upper end portions of the standing wall
portions 98 are located at a height that is substantially the same
as a height of upper surfaces of the upper wall portions 91a. The
respective standing wall portions 98 supports a base bracket 40
jointly with the upper wall portions 91a. The base portion 91 is
formed substantially perpendicular to the respective standing wall
portions 98 and includes a joining portion 99 that joins the
respective standing wall portions 98.
[0090] The joining portion 99 is preferably formed at a position
that is lower than upper ends of the standing wall portion 98 so as
to prevent interference of a bolt 16 with the base bracket 40.
However, the joining portion 99 is preferably formed so as to have
a height that prevents the joining portion 99 from coming in
contact with the roof surface. The mounting bracket 90 includes a
drainage channel 97 formed by providing a space between the
mounting bracket 90 and the roof surface over an entire
longitudinal length thereof along the eave-ridge direction. The
drainage channel 97 is formed below the joining portion 99 between
the respective standing wall portions 98.
[0091] In the mounting bracket 90, a plurality of through holes 95
that each allow a screw 107 to be passed therethrough are formed in
each lower wall portion 91c of the base portion 91 so as to be
aligned in the eave-ridge direction. The through holes 95 are
preferably formed at respective positions no less than 10 mm away
from outer ends 92a of the lower wall portions 91c and opposite end
portions in the longitudinal direction (the eave-side edge portion
90a and the ridge-side edge portion 90b). As a result of the
through holes 95 being formed away from the ends of the lower wall
portions 91c, which are fixing portions, rain water, etc., is less
likely to enter the parts to which the screws 107 are attached. The
through holes 95 may be formed at respective positions no less than
10 mm away from inner ends 92b of the lower wall portions 91c that
are in contact with the drainage channel 97.
[0092] In the mounting bracket 90, binding band holes 96 that allow
binding bands for fixing wires drawn out from respective solar cell
modules 11 to be passed therethrough may be formed. The binding
band holes 96 are formed in root parts of the respective hook
portions 93 so as to face sideways. For example, a total of four
binding band holes 96, namely two binding band holes 96 in each of
opposite end portions in the longitudinal direction of the base
portion 91, are formed. Also, in the mounting bracket 90, alignment
marks used at the time of building may be provided.
[0093] As in the case where the mounting bracket 30 is used, where
the mounting bracket 90 has the above-described configuration,
favorable building efficiency and maintainability can be provided
and drainage and protection capability of the roof 100 can be
sufficiently ensured. Since the mounting bracket 90 includes no
flange portions largely jutting to the right and the left of the
base portion 91, the mounting bracket 90 is narrow compared to the
mounting bracket 30 and a width of the mounting bracket 90 is
slightly larger than a width of the base bracket 40.
[0094] Next, a photovoltaic power generation device 10X, which is
another example embodiment, will be described in detail with
reference to FIGS. 11 to 14. In the following, for components that
are common with the above-described photovoltaic power generation
device 10, reference numerals that are the same as those of the
photovoltaic power generation device 10 are used and overlapping
descriptions thereof will be omitted.
[0095] A photovoltaic power generation device 10X (see FIG. 14) is
different from the photovoltaic power generation device 10 in using
mounting brackets 60 (see FIG. 11, etc.) instead of the mounting
brackets 30, and using fixing brackets 70 (see FIG. 13, etc.)
instead of the fixing brackets 50. Also, the photovoltaic power
generation device 10X includes no base brackets 40 and each fixing
bracket 70 is fixed to a mounting bracket 60 by attaching a hex key
hole-provided nut 78 (see FIG. 14) to a bolt 76 provided upright on
the mounting bracket 60.
[0096] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a mounting bracket 60 and FIG. 12
is a sectional view along line CC in FIG. 11. As illustrated in
FIGS. 11 and 12, each mounting bracket 60 includes a base portion
61 that allows frames 13A, 13B of solar cell modules 11A, 11B to be
mounted thereon and flange portions 62 jutting to the right and the
left, respectively, from a lower portion of the base portion 61.
Each flange portion 62 is a plate-like fixing portion disposed
along a roof surface. In the flange portion 62, a plurality of
through holes 65 that each allow a screw 107 for fixing the
mounting bracket 60 to a roof 100 to be passed therethrough are
formed.
[0097] Like the mounting brackets 30, 90, the mounting bracket 60
has a shape that is long in the longitudinal direction along the
eave-ridge direction, and a ridge-side edge portion 60b is inclined
relative to the eave-ridge direction and the girder direction of
the roof 100. The ridge-side edge portion 60b is preferably
inclined at an angle .theta. of approximately 3.degree. to
10.degree. relative to the girder direction of the roof 100. Since
a later-described bolt guide rail portion 64 preferably extends
straight along the eave-ridge direction, the ridge-side edge
portion 60b is preferably inclined by forming a cut surface of the
mounting bracket 60 obliquely relative to the longitudinal
direction and a lateral direction. In this case, drainage for rain
water, etc., can be enhanced without impairing building
efficiency.
[0098] An eave-side edge portion 60a of the mounting bracket 60 is
preferably inclined at an angle that is substantially the same as
that of a ridge-side edge portion 60b relative to the eave-ridge
direction and the girder direction. The eave-side edge portion 60a
is formed at an angle that is the same as that of the ridge-side
edge portion 60b in a direction that is the same as that of the
ridge-side edge portion 60b. Since the mounting bracket 60 is
manufactured, for example, by cutting a long member, cutting the
respective end portions at the same angle in the same direction
enables elimination of waste of materials. The mounting bracket 60
has a substantial parallelogram shape in plan view, in which the
eave-side edge portion 60a and the ridge-side edge portion 60b are
substantially parallel to each other and outer ends 62a of the
respective flange portions 62 are also substantially parallel to
each other.
[0099] The base portion 61 includes an upper wall portion 61a that
allows the frames 13A, 13B to be mounted thereon, two side wall
portions 61b that extend downward from opposite end portions in the
lateral direction of the upper wall portion 61a and connect the
upper wall portion 61a and the flange portions 62, and a lower wall
portion 61c that connects lower ends of the respective side wall
portions 61b. The side wall portions 61b are formed, for example,
perpendicular to the upper wall portion 61a, the lower wall portion
61c and the flange portions 62. The base portion 61 preferably has
a hollow structure from the perspective of, for example, weight
reduction and material cost reduction, and includes two hollow
portions 67 that are surrounded by the respective wall portions and
separated from each other by a bolt guide rail portion 64.
[0100] In the base portion 61, the bolt guide rail portion 64 that
supports a head portion of a bolt 76 for fixing the fixing bracket
70 in such a manner that the head portion is slidable in the
eave-ridge direction is provided so that a shaft portion of the
bolt 76 is provided upright so as to face upward. The bolt guide
rail portion 64 is provided over an entire longitudinal direction
of the base portion 61 in a center portion in the lateral direction
of the base portion 61. The bolt guide rail portion 64 is a groove
that is formed inside the hollow base portion 61 and opens upward,
and parts of the upper wall portion 61a jut above the groove from
the right and the left and occlude a part of the opening. The head
portion of the bolt 76 is caught on lower surfaces of the upper
wall portion 61a that jut from the right and the left, and thus the
bolt 76 is held in the bolt guide rail portion 64 in such a manner
that the bolt 76 does not come off upward and is slidable along the
eave-ridge direction.
[0101] The flange portions 62, which jut to the respective outer
sides from the lower portion of the base portion 61, are formed
over an entire longitudinal length of the mounting bracket 60. In
each flange portion 62, through holes 65 that each allow a screw
107 to be passed therethrough are formed so as to be aligned in the
eave-ridge direction. The through holes 65 are preferably formed at
respective positions no less than 10 mm away from ends of the
flange portions 62 in order to prevent entry of rain water, etc.,
from the parts to which the screws 107 are attached. The through
holes 65 are formed, for example, at respective positions no less
than 10 mm away from outer ends 62a, which are ends on the outer
sides along the longitudinal direction of the flange portion 62,
and opposite ends in the longitudinal direction of the flange
portions 62 (the eave-side edge portion 60a and the ridge-side edge
portion 60b).
[0102] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fixing bracket 70. As
illustrated in FIG. 11, each fixing bracket 70 includes a base
portion 71 having a substantially U-shape in side view. The base
portion 71 includes two side wall portions 71a formed substantially
parallel to each other and a lower wall portion 71b connecting
lower ends of the respective side wall portions 71a. In the lower
wall portion 71b, a through hole 72 that allows a bolt 76 provided
upright on a mounting bracket 60 to be passed therethrough is
formed.
[0103] Each fixing bracket 70 includes a first holding portion 73
that extends to the eave side from an upper end of the side wall
portion 71a disposed on the eave side, and a second holding portion
74 that extends to the ridge-side from an upper end of the side
wall portion 71a disposed on the ridge-side. The first holding
portion 73 is formed so as to have a length that is shorter than
that of a hook portion 21A of the frame 13A and holds the hook
portion 21A from above. The second holding portion 74 is formed so
as to have a length that is shorter than that of a hook portion 21B
of the frame 13B and holds the hook portion 21B from above. Distal
end portions of the respective holding portions are slightly flexed
downward so as to conform to shapes of respective distal end
portions of the hook portions 21A, 21B.
[0104] Each fixing bracket 70 may have a length that is
substantially the same as a length in a long side direction of each
solar cell module 11 and be attached over substantially entire
lengths of respective spaces S, but in the present embodiment, has
a length that is substantially the same as a width of the mounting
brackets 60 in consideration of building efficiency. The fixing
brackets 70 are fixed one by one to the respective mounting
brackets 60 using bolts 76 and hex key hole-provided nuts 78, with
each base portion 71 inserted into a relevant space S. The base
portion 71, the first holding portion 73 and the second holding
portion 74 are formed over an entire length of each fixing bracket
70. The through hole 72 is formed, for example, at a center portion
in the longitudinal direction of the base portion 71.
[0105] Each fixing bracket 70 may have a shape in which, regarding
heights of the respective holding portions from an upper end of the
mounting bracket 60, the first holding portion 73 is relatively
higher. The lower wall portion 71b of the base portion 71 may be
formed perpendicular to the respective side wall portions 71a, and
the lower wall portion 71b may be inclined so that an angle formed
by the eave-side side wall portion 71a and the lower wall portion
71b is slightly larger than an angle formed by the ridge-side side
wall portion 71a and the lower wall portion 71b.
[0106] FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating
a structure for attachment of the photovoltaic power generation
device 10X and illustrates a structure in which a ridge-side end
portion of the solar cell module 11A and an eave-side end portion
of the solar cell module 11B are fixed to the roof 100 using a
mounting bracket 60 and a fixing bracket 70.
[0107] As illustrated in FIG. 14, the frame 13A installed at the
ridge-side end portion of the solar cell module 11A and the frame
13B installed at the eave-side end portion of the solar cell module
11B are mounted on a mounting bracket 60 via an earthing bracket
15. A fixing bracket 70 is inserted into a space S between the
frames 13A, 13B from above and a bolt 76 provided upright on the
mounting bracket 60 is present below the space S. Then, a hex key
hole-provided nut 78 is attached to a shaft portion of the bolt 76
passed through the through hole 72 of the fixing bracket 70,
whereby the fixing bracket 70 is fixed to the mounting bracket 60
and presses the frames 13A. 13B from above.
[0108] Like the mounting bracket 30, the mounting bracket 60 is
fixed to a sheathing roof board 102 of the roof 100 by screws 107
attached to the flange portions 62. The mounting bracket 60 is
disposed so that alignment marks 68 and an eave-side edge portion
of a roofing material 101 are aligned, and a ridge-side part of the
mounting bracket 60 is fixed to the roofing material 101 and an
eave-side part of the mounting bracket 60 is fixed to a spacer 105.
The frames 13A. 13B are disposed so as to face each other with the
bolt 76 therebetween above the upper wall portion 61a of the base
portion 61 and with the space S therebetween, the space S enabling
the base portion 71 of the fixing bracket 70 to be inserted
thereto. A rubber sheet 103 is provided between the mounting
bracket 60, and the roofing material 101 and the spacer 105.
[0109] In the photovoltaic power generation device 10X, the solar
cell modules 11A, 11B are fixed to the mounting bracket 60 in such
a manner that solar cell panels 12A, 12B are substantially parallel
to the sheathing roof board 102. In this case, a distal end of a
bottom plate 23A of the frame 13A floats slightly from the mounting
bracket 60 and in heights of hook portions 21A, 21B from the upper
end of the mounting bracket 60, the hook portion 21A is slightly
higher.
[0110] The head portion of the bolt 76 provided upright on the base
portion 61 of the mounting bracket 60 is inserted into the bolt
guide rail portion 64 (see FIG. 12) and the shaft portion of the
bolt 76 faces upward and extends substantially perpendicular to the
upper wall portion 61a of the base portion 61. The bolt 76 is
slidable in the eave-ridge direction within a range in which the
bolt 76 does not come off from the bolt guide rail portion 64, and
thus there is a high degree of flexibility in disposition of the
frames 13A, 13B, providing excellent building efficiency. The bolt
76 can be fixed so as not to slide, for example, by attaching a nut
77 to the shaft portion.
[0111] The fixing bracket 70 is attached straddling the frames 13A,
13B and the shaft portion of the bolt 76 is passed through the
through hole 72 formed in the lower wall portion 71b of the base
portion 71. Then, the hex key hole-provided nut 78 is threadably
connected to a part of the shaft portion of the bolt 76, the part
projecting above the lower wall portion 71b. The hex key
hole-provided nut 78 presses the lower wall portion 71b from above
and thereby fixes the fixing bracket 70 to the mounting bracket 60.
The hex key hole-provided nut 78 is, for example, a nut with a hex
key hole formed therein, the hex key hole enabling a hex key to be
inserted thereto, and is attached with the hex key hole facing
upward, using a hex key.
[0112] In the fixing bracket 70, the first holding portion 73
presses the hook portion 21A of the frame 13A from above and the
second holding portion 74 presses the hook portion 21B of the frame
13B from above. Also, the respective side wall portions 71a of the
base portion 71 abut on respective side surfaces along the
top-bottom direction of the frame 13A, 13B in the space S, whereby
movement of the solar cell modules 11A, 11B in the eave-ridge
direction is prevented. An upper end corner portion of the frame
13A is held by the first holding portion 73 and the eave-side side
wall portion 71a, and an upper end corner portion of the frame 13B
is held by the second holding portion 74 and the ridge-side side
wall portion 71a.
[0113] According to the photovoltaic power generation device 10X
having the above-described structure, it is possible to
sufficiently ensure good drainage and protection capability of the
roof. As with the photovoltaic power generation device 10, the
photovoltaic power generation device 10X is easy to build and has
favorable maintainability
[0114] While the foregoing has described what are considered to be
the best mode and/or other examples, it is understood that various
modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter
disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples,
and that they may be applied in numerous applications, only some of
which have been described herein. It is intended by the following
claims to claim any and all modifications and variations that fall
within the true scope of the present teachings.
* * * * *